Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat Station was one of a number of key buildings that turned blue to highlight World Drowning Prevention Day 2022.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) arranged for buildings across Dorset, Devon and Cornwall to show their support for World Drowning Prevention Day, 25 July, by lighting up in blue, highlighting the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities across the world.

The list of locations also included:

·      Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth

·      National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth

·      Ocean, Exmouth

·      Pendennis Castle, Falmouth

·      St Mawes Castle, Truro

·      Weymouth Pavilion, Weymouth

World Drowning Prevention Day was created through a UN resolution on drowning prevention in 2021, acknowledging the issue for the first time in its 75-year history. According to latest estimates from the World Health Organisation, drowning is the cause of 235,000 deaths globally every year.

This World Drowning Prevention Day the RNLI is also supporting the National Water Safety Forum's Respect the Water campaign, which aims to raise awareness of what to do if you see someone struggling in the water.

Steve Instance, Water Safety Lead for the RNLI, said: "We're delighted to help in highlighting World Drowing Prevention Day this year. Thousands of people lose their lives to drowning around the world every year, and we are keen to do all we can in helping to bring this number down, whether that's through our own work, or through partnerships like this.

"It's great to see so many well-known buildings across the south west joining us in going blue – my thanks go to everyone who is supporting this hugely important campaign."

Exmouth RNLI would like to thank Cameron at Stage Engage Limited, Exeter for providing the amazing lighting effect at our station.

For more information see: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-drowning-prevention-day/2022. You can also follow and use the hashtag #DrowningPrevention on social media.